Into its second season, the Thunderbird was given a few subtle changes for 1956. The spare tire, which had significantly reduced luggage space, was relocated from the trunk to a “continental” mounting on the rear bumper. Wind wings were added along with cowl vents to the front fenders, and the hardtop gained porthole windows in the rear portion. The rear bumper was redesigned to integrate the exhaust outlets. Automatic transmission cars had 225-horsepower.

This particular example spent its life in sunny California, cruising the streets of Alameda and Oakland. The second owner purchased this car On April 29, 1959 from Ms. Henson, where it remained in that family for the next six decades. A folder full of service records, receipts and California registrations document this cars history.

This Thunderbird features the standard continental kit and fender skirts, while the removable hardtop has the distinctive porthole windows. The car is equipped with a pushbutton radio with fender-mounted antenna, clock, tachometer, and fresh-air heater. Painted in Ford’s Sunset Coral, the interior is trimmed in red and white vinyl. The overall condition is great with outstanding metal, good panel fit, and beautiful paint and bright work. The engine compartment is nicely detailed with a stock appearance.

The two-seat Thunderbirds were produced for only three years. These did outpace Chevrolet’s Corvette. For 1958, a larger, four-seat T-Bird was introduced with more passenger and luggage space, which caused sales to soar. Sales, however, isn’t everything. The two-seaters had flair and panache that was lacking in their successors. This is the primary reason why the Thunderbirds of ’55, ’56, and ’57 have forever captured the hearts of collectors. This Sunset Coral T-Bird will likely do the same.